Question

Difficulty: EasyClient Care Assignments and Collaboration

A practical nurse (PN) and an assistive personnel (AP) are providing care for a stable client in a rehabilitation facility. The client is recovering from a total knee arthroplasty and is scheduled for a morning physical therapy session. Which of the following tasks can the PN safely delegate to the AP? Select all that apply.

  1. Assisting the client with applying anti-embolism stockingsAnswer
  2. Emptying the urinary catheter drainage bag and recording the output volumeAnswer
  3. C
    Evaluating the client's pain level upon return from physical therapy
  4. D
    Providing the initial education to the client on safe walker use
  5. Helping the client complete morning oral hygiene at the bedside sinkAnswer
  6. F
    Discussing the client's morning laboratory results with visiting family members

Answer

The tasks that can be safely delegated to the AP are assisting with anti-embolism stockings, emptying the urinary drainage bag, and helping with oral hygiene.
The correct tasks involve standard, unchanging procedures that have predictable outcomes (applying stockings, emptying drainage bags, and assisting with hygiene). These activities of daily living (ADLs) and basic data collection tasks do not require nursing judgment, making them legally and safely delegable to an AP.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the client's condition and the role of the assistive personnel (AP).
The client is stable, and the AP is qualified to perform routine, non-invasive care tasks.
Delegation decisions must be based on client stability and the legal scope of practice for the team member.
2
Evaluate each task against the Five Rights of Delegation.
Routine ADLs and measurement tasks (stockings, oral hygiene, emptying a catheter) are appropriate. Evaluation, education, and discussing clinical data are not appropriate.
Tasks requiring clinical judgment, nursing assessment, or specialized knowledge must remain with the licensed nurse.

Key Concept

Delegation of Routine Tasks to Assistive Personnel
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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